Apparently defying the COVID-19 scare, the Cross River State government has scheduled its local government elections to hold on May 30, 2020.
The information is contained in a statement by the Chairman, Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), Dr. Mike Ushie.
Ushie said accreditation and voting would start by 8am and closes by 3.pm on the same day.
No local government election has been held under Governor Ben Ayade. However, Heads of Local Government Areas (HOLGAs) have been running the affair of LGAs in the State.
Ushie’s statement further said: “Notice is hereby given to all citizens of Cross River State that the 2020 Local Government elections earlier scheduled to take place on the 28th of March, 2020, shall now take place on Saturday, 30th May, 2020.
“Accreditation and voting starts 8.am on that same day and closes 3.pm to give room for collation. All movement is restricted except those on essential and election duties. Markets and shops shall remain closed within the period.”
The Chairman however stated that all voters must adhere strictly to all COVID-19 precautionary measures stipulated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control such as wearing of face mask, washing of hands, the use of hand sanitizer and most importantly, maintaining physical distance during the voting exercise.
He added that “security agencies are hereby requested to maintain adequate security throughout the period. The State Independent Electoral Commission wishes all a peaceful election, but shall not hesitate countermand the polls where security is breached.” CROSIEC warned in the statement.